Automotive events are often huge affairs that attract industry leaders, press and unlike many industry conventions, the public. Automotive conventions highlight the latest ideas and designs from automakers around the world. Attending any car show is an experience to remember and that's just the way the automotive industry likes it.

Automotive shows are not all about the newest cars, current automotive events that focus on the engineering, design and supply side of the industry are common. The automotive industry is dependent on factories, suppliers and dealerships to get the latest model into the public's driveways. Automotive sale events promote the retail side of the business, but auto events bring the pieces together. Consider the following when attending auto events:

1. Find innovative suppliers at automotive industry events.

2. Attend dedicated automotive conferences to solve dealership sales and service issues.

3. Stay current and see the industry's newest models at manufacturers' auto shows.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Create faster parts implementation through specialized vendors at automotive industry events

Finding the next big automotive innovation requires months or years of design, testing and implementation. Automotive shows that highlight specialized product suppliers and their technologies save time and give insight into the trends people want to see in their cars and trucks. Specialty products range from exhaust systems to suspensions and finding the right supplier lets a car company focus on the final product instead of parts creation.

I recommend: Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) hosts the premier automotive exposition with specialty parts and equipment from around the world on display. The Global Automotive Conference (GAC) brings suppliers and manufacturers together for keynote sessions and discussions on current events affecting the industry.

Make your dealership stand out with processes discussed at automobile sales events

The front line of the automotive industry is the dealership where sales and service take place. Auto sales events bring in customers with discounts from the manufacturers. Dealerships face issues that differ from the manufacturer and automotive events and conferences for dealers offer relevant solutions and information.

I recommend: The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) hosts an annual conference to address the needs of dealers and service professionals. Independent dealers converge on the Florida Independent Automobile Dealers Association (FIADA) conference to discuss specialty financing and current market conditions.

Meet the automotive future firsthand at a manufacturers' auto show

The annual automotive industry car shows around the world bring prototypes, new models and innovations into public view. Car shows let manufacturers and suppliers demonstrate the cutting edge of automotive progress. Making a big impression is critical to the car manufacturers to garner the much sought after press coverage that fuels the spending of car enthusiasts each year.

I recommend: The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit is the largest auto show in the country, attended by every major manufacturer. The west coast gathers cars and trucks from around the world in a manufacturers' exposition at the LA Auto Show.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Automotive industry events often offer more than one person can see during a visit. Plan time carefully to ensure you're able to attend the sessions and exhibitions that are important to you.